Easy Turkey Meatballs Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful Family Favorite

Turkey meatballs represent a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food that defies ordinary expectations.

Lean and versatile, these savory spheres pack incredible depth beyond typical ground meat preparations.

Carefully selected ingredients elevate bland proteins into a culinary masterpiece with Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Fresh herbs and carefully blended seasonings elevate each morsel into something truly spectacular.

Surprisingly tender and juicy, these meatballs challenge preconceived notions about lighter protein options.

Rich Parmesan and aromatic spices create a complex flavor profile that delights even discerning palates.

The result is a crowd-pleasing dish that proves healthier eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

Why These Turkey Meatballs Steal the Spotlight

• Craft Lean Protein Powerhouse: Turkey meatballs offer a healthier protein alternative compared to traditional beef, packing 18 grams of protein per serving while keeping calories moderate at 292 kcal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal prep time, requiring just basic mixing and baking techniques that even novice cooks can master in under an hour.
• Create Comforting Flavor Explosion: The homemade tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and herbs transforms simple turkey meatballs into a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary hug, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients That Keep Them Juicy, Never Dry

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base for meatballs with mild flavor and healthier alternative to beef.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold meatball mixture together and adds moisture.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates tender texture and adds rich, savory flavor to meatballs.

• Garlic, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that provide depth and traditional Italian-style seasoning.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that builds rich, complex flavor for tomato sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provides rich, concentrated tomato flavor and creates smooth sauce texture.

• Bay Leaf, Italian Seasoning, Parsley, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Depth of flavor, balancing sweetness, and traditional Italian herb profile.

• Olive Oil, Water: Helps prevent sticking, adds moisture, and supports cooking process.

Roll, Bake, and Watch the Magic Happen

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a large baking sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use a fork to blend everything until well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Morsels

Gently roll the mixture into 14 perfectly sized meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Create Magical Sauce Base

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir and cook for 10 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 6: Build Flavor Layers

Add bay leaf and tomato paste to the onion mixture. Stir and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavors.

Step 7: Craft the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Water
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Tiny pinch of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 8: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Carefully nestle the baked meatballs into the simmering sauce. Let them bubble together for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add extra herbs or salt if desired.

Step 10: Remove Bay Leaf

Pluck out the bay leaf to prevent any unexpected bites.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these succulent meatballs over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Watch as your dinner guests dive into this delectable dish!

Tips to Keep the Texture Just Right

• Ensure Even Mixing: Use a fork or your hands to blend ingredients thoroughly, preventing dense or tough meatballs.
• Prevent Sticking: Space meatballs slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation and crispy exterior.
• Moisture Matters: Add a splash of milk or breadcrumbs to keep turkey meatballs tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Flavor Boost: Let meatballs simmer in sauce for maximum flavor absorption and extra juiciness.

Reheat Without Turning Them Tough

• Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these tasty morsels will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place meatballs and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Wrap meatballs tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

What to Plate Beside These Savory Stars

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato sauce and savory turkey meatballs, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Green Salad: Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, zesty contrast to the hearty meatballs, balancing the meal's flavors and adding a refreshing element.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, creating a perfect side that adds extra texture and flavor to the main dish.
• Finish with Creamy Tiramisu: Round out the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, offering a sweet, smooth ending that harmonizes with the robust flavors of the turkey meatballs and sauce.

Global Twists to Try With Your Next Batch

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace standard herbs with diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a zesty, bold turkey meatball experience that adds heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and oregano into the meatball mixture to create a Greek-inspired version with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip the pasta and serve meatballs inside crisp lettuce leaves, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a lighter, protein-packed meal alternative.
• Quick Skillet Shortcut: Instead of baking, pan-sear meatballs in a cast-iron skillet with olive oil until golden brown, then simmer directly in the tomato sauce for faster preparation and enhanced caramelization.

Turkey Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean turkey meatballs blend classic Greek flavors with wholesome ingredients. Herbed and spiced with oregano, garlic, and feta, these tender morsels will transport taste buds straight to a sunny Greek island.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea or kosher salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper (¼ teaspoon)

Binding and Texture:

• ⅓ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs

Sauce Proteins and Base:

• 1 can (28 ounces or 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces or 170 grams) tomato paste

Sauce Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Sauce Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon sea or kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and lightly coat a large baking sheet with olive oil.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper using a fork until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the mixture into 14 uniform meatballs, each approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, carefully arranging them on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation between each.
4. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
5. In a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, warm of olive oil over medium-low heat.
6. Add finely diced onions and minced garlic, seasoning with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper, and sauté until onions become translucent and soft.
7. Introduce tomato paste to the pan, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance its deep, rich flavor.
8. Pour in crushed tomatoes, of water, dried Italian seasoning, fresh chopped parsley, and a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
9. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste, stirring to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
10. Gently nestle the baked meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce, allowing them to cook together for 25-30 minutes.
11. Periodically stir the sauce and rotate the meatballs to ensure even heating and flavor absorption.
12. Remove the bay leaf before serving to prevent any unexpected bites.
13. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or your preferred pasta, garnishing with additional fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Customize your meatballs by experimenting with different ground meats like chicken or pork for unique flavor profiles.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.
• Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes for consistent cooking.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• Leftover meatballs stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 596mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg